The AP names the best of the best

NEW YORK (AP) Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith of Ohio State is the quarterback for the AP All-America team announced Tuesday. The Buckeyes' senior signal caller is joined in the backfield by a pair

Tuesday, December 12th 2006, 2:27 pm

By: News On 6

NEW YORK (AP) Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith of Ohio State is the quarterback for the AP All-America team announced Tuesday. The Buckeyes' senior signal caller is joined in the backfield by a pair of sophomore running backs; Arkansas' Darren McFadden, the runner-up in the Heisman balloting, and West Virginia's Steve Slaton.

Smith is one of three Ohio State players on the first team, along with defensive tackle Quinn Pitcock and linebacker James Laurinaitis. Big 10 rival Michigan matched the Buckeyes for the most first-teamers with defensive end LaMarr Woodley, cornerback Leon Hall and offensive tackle Jake Long.

Florida, which will play Ohio State for the national title on January 8th, is represented on the first-team by safety Reggie Nelson.

Penn State linebacker Paul Posluszny and Southern California receiver Dwayne Jarrett made the select squad for a second consecutive season.

Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn, who finished third behind Smith and McFadden in the Heisman voting, made the second-team.